Squid Game’s giant ‘red light, green light’ doll is coming to Manchester this weekend.
The creepy animatronic doll, which first appeared in episode 1 of the hit Netflix TV series, will be rolling into the Trafford Centre on Saturday, 6 November.
The terrifying three-metre-tall doll has all the functions seen in the show, including its disconcerting moving eyes and singing abilities – and will be at the shopping centre as part of an ‘interactive experience’ in which people can ‘meet’ the hair-raising character.
It will be accompanied by Squid Game costumed guards, kitted out in red outfits with black circle and triangle masks, to add extra authenticity to the experience.
Fans will be offered the chance to capture photos and videos of the doll in action, and an opportunity to interact with the Squid Game costumed guards.
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Photo and video opportunities of the doll in action will also be made available to fans.
Netflix has stressed, however, that as the show is strictly 15+ the real-life experience taking place in Manchester this weekend is only for those aged 16 and over.
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Squid Game’s creators previously surprised fans of the show by taking a copy of the doll to London’s Westfield Shopping Centre in White City over Halloween weekend.
Circular cookies, carved with different shapes from the series, were also made available down in London alongside those ominous brown business cards – making us think perhaps both will make an appearance in Manchester this weekend too.
It seems the doll has been getting around, after also being spotted on the other side of the world in Sydney over the Halloween weekend.
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Now, it seems she is travelling north – as multiple replicas spread their way out across the country.
As well as appearing in Manchester, the doll will also pop up in Birmingham at New Street Station on the same day.
Feature image – Netflix
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Co-op Live confirms cancellations caused by part of air conditioning unit ‘falling from ceiling’
Daisy Jackson
The Co-op Live arena has confirmed the cause of tonight’s last-minute gig cancellation and subsequent postponement of future shows.
Reports said that an object had ‘fallen from the ceiling’ before doors to the public officially opened.
Co-op Live has now confirmed that ‘a component of the air conditioning system’ separated from the ductwork, and stressed that no one was injured.
A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, the artist who was meant to perform tonight, had said that ‘something happened with the venue while I was at soundcheck today’.
Oak View Group, which owns the venue, said that it had ‘made the necessary call to ensure the full safety of all visitors to the venue to postpone the performance’.
Tim Leiweke, Chairman and CEO of Oak View Group said: “The safety and security of all visiting and working on Co-op Live is our utmost priority, and we could not and will not run any event until it is absolutely safe to do so.
“Today was a very unexpected situation but without a doubt the right decision.
“I deeply apologise for the impact that this has had on ticket holders and fans.”
It’s believed that the issue with the HVAC system was an isolated incident ’caused by a factory defect’.
Co-op Live said: “We were not able to verify that all similar nozzles were free of such defects.
“In conjunction with wider stakeholders, Oak View Group has made the necessary call to ensure the full safety of all visitors to the venue, and to postpone the performance.”
The rest of the nozzles inside the huge arena will now be tested for similar defects.
They said in a statement: “We understand the need to reassure fans over future shows. We are working with artist management and promoters to limit the impact on the opening season schedule.
“Where necessary, we will identify alternate dates, and will continually reassess to provide fans with sufficient notice regarding imminent shows.
“Should shows be cancelled or rescheduled, fans will be contacted by their point of purchase and offered a full refund where preferred.”
Olivia Rodrigo’s two Manchester shows at Co-op Live have been postponed
Daisy Jackson
Olivia Rodrigo’s shows at Co-op Live in Manchester have been postponed after a night of drama for the new arena.
The star was meant to bring her GUTS Tour to the city on Friday and Saturday night.
But the huge 23,500-capacity arena has now confirmed that both of these gigs will be postponed.
New dates will be announced as soon as they’re confirmed.
Co-op Live said in a statement: “Due to an on-going venue-related technical issue, the scheduled performances of Olivia Rodrigo’s GUTS World Tour on 3rd and 4th May are being postponed.
“Ticket holders can either hold onto their tickets or obtain a refund from their point of purchase.
“We deeply apologise for the significant inconvenience this will cause for many.”
The massive arena was supposed to open for the first time to the public tonight with a performance by A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie.
But it was called off at the eleventh hour, with fans turned away from the doors just minutes before they were meant to open.
Co-op Live has now confirmed that the reason for the cancellation was that a piece of the HVAC (air conditioning) system had ‘separated from the ductwork’.
Rigorous testing on the rest of the system now needs to take place before fans can safely be welcomed inside.
Olivia Rodrigo has yet to issue a statement about her Manchester shows on 3 and 4 May being postponed.